GPS 40mm vs 44mm – Which Size Fits Your Lifestyle Best?

Smartwatches have become essential companions for tracking fitness, managing notifications, and keeping schedules on point. The debate between a 40mm and a 44mm GPS model often confuses buyers who want the perfect balance of comfort, style, and functionality.

The 40mm size appeals to those with smaller wrists or a preference for a sleek, lightweight design. It offers the same core features as larger models but in a compact form that fits discreetly under sleeves or sports gear.

On the other hand, the 44mm version provides a larger display, making it easier to read notifications, track workouts, and interact with apps. Battery life also tends to improve slightly with the bigger size, supporting longer usage between charges.

Understanding the differences in display, battery, and comfort helps buyers make an informed choice that aligns with daily needs and personal style.

GPS 40mm vs GPS 44mm

Apple offers multiple sizes for its GPS-enabled watches, mainly 40mm and 44mm. Both models have built-in GPS, fitness tracking, and smart features, but differences in size affect display readability, battery life, health sensors, and overall usability.

Understanding these differences helps buyers select the right watch for their needs and lifestyle.

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm]

 

Product Details

• Operating System: watchOS

• Memory Storage Capacity: 32 GB

• Special Features: Activity Tracker, Cycle Tracking, GPS, Heart Rate Monitor, Voice Control

• Connectivity Technology: GPS

• Wireless Communication Standard: 802.11n, Bluetooth

• Battery Cell Composition: Lithium Ion

• GPS: Built-in

• Shape: Rectangular

• Screen Size: 40mm

• Compatibility: iPhone Xs or later with iOS 17 or later

The 40mm Apple Watch SE GPS is compact and lightweight, making it ideal for everyday wear. It provides essential health and fitness tracking, safety alerts, and smartphone connectivity.

Features

Health and Fitness Tracking

The watch monitors heart rate, activity levels, steps, and workouts. It includes cycle tracking for women and supports multiple exercise types like running, swimming, and yoga.

Safety Features

Fall Detection and Emergency SOS allow the watch to alert emergency contacts in critical situations. Crash Detection automatically notifies help in severe accidents.

Connectivity

The watch syncs with iPhone for texting, calls, music, and Siri. It connects via GPS or Wi-Fi to keep users connected even without a phone nearby.

Water Resistance

With 50m water resistance, it can be worn while swimming or showering.

Customization

Users can switch bands and watch faces, making the watch versatile for work, fitness, or casual wear.

What is Good?

• Compact and light, fits small wrists comfortably

• Affordable compared to larger models

• Covers essential health tracking and safety

• Swimproof and durable for daily activity

What is Bad?

• Smaller display may be harder to read outdoors

• Limited advanced health sensors (no ECG or SpO2)

• Slightly shorter battery life than 44mm model

Overall Opinion

Apple Watch SE 40mm GPS is ideal for users who want a lightweight, daily wearable smartwatch. It balances fitness, safety, and basic connectivity without extra bulk.

Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS, 44mm)

 

Product Details

• Operating System: watchOS

• Memory Storage Capacity: 32 GB

• Special Features: GPS, Oxymeter (SpO2), ECG, Multisport Tracker, Music Player, Phone Call, Daily Workout Memory, Always-On Display, Sleep Monitor, Text Messaging, Time Display

• Battery Capacity: 303.8 mAh

• Connectivity Technology: Wireless

• Wireless Communication Standard: 5 GHz, Bluetooth

• Battery Cell Composition: Lithium Ion

• GPS: True

• Shape: Rectangular

• Screen Size: 44mm

The 44mm Apple Watch GPS provides more screen space and advanced health monitoring, designed for users who want a premium smartwatch experience.

Features

Advanced Health Monitoring

Measure blood oxygen levels with SpO2 sensor and track heart rhythm using ECG. It also monitors sleep patterns and workout intensity.

Always-On Retina Display

The larger 44mm screen supports always-on display, showing time and notifications without raising the wrist. It’s brighter outdoors and easier to read during workouts.

Connectivity and Communication

Make calls, reply to texts, stream music, and use apps directly from the watch. GPS ensures location tracking without needing a phone nearby.

Performance

Equipped with the S6 SiP processor, it runs faster than smaller models, ensuring smooth app navigation and real-time metrics during workouts.

Battery Life

Larger battery improves overall usage time, especially during GPS tracking or health monitoring sessions.

What is Good?

• Larger screen improves readability

• Advanced health sensors like SpO2 and ECG

• Always-on display enhances usability outdoors

• Longer battery life for heavy users

• Supports multiple workout types with detailed tracking

What is Bad?

• Slightly heavier and bulkier for small wrists

• Higher price compared to 40mm model

• Might feel large for users preferring a subtle, minimalist watch

Overall Opinion

Apple Watch 44mm GPS is ideal for fitness enthusiasts, health-conscious users, and those who prefer larger displays. It provides a premium experience with advanced monitoring, better outdoor visibility, and longer battery life.

Details Comparison for GPS 40mm vs 44mm

Apple Watch SE 40mm GPS is smaller, lighter, and more compact, making it perfect for users with small wrists or those who prefer minimal design

It provides essential health and safety features without the advanced sensors of larger models.

Apple Watch 44mm GPS offers a larger display, always-on feature, advanced health monitoring (SpO2 and ECG), and improved battery life.

The bigger size improves visibility, especially outdoors or during workouts, and it suits users who use the watch heavily throughout the day.

Key Differences:

• Screen Size: 40mm vs 44mm affects readability and wrist fit

• Health Sensors: 44mm adds SpO2 and ECG

• Battery Life: 44mm slightly better for continuous use

• Weight: 40mm lighter and easier for small wrists

• Price: 44mm usually costs more

In short:

• 40mm: Best for compact, everyday wear, smaller wrists, budget-conscious users

• 44mm: Best for advanced health tracking, larger displays, outdoor use, and fitness enthusiasts

FAQs

1. Which watch has better battery life?
44mm generally has longer battery life due to a larger battery capacity.

2. Can I use both watches for swimming?
Yes, both have 50m water resistance.

3. Which watch is better for small wrists?
40mm is lighter and fits small wrists comfortably.

4. Do both watches have ECG and blood oxygen monitoring?
No, only the 44mm model includes ECG and SpO2 sensors.

5. Can both watches send texts and make calls?
Yes, both support GPS connectivity for calls and messages when paired with iPhone or Wi-Fi.

Conclusion

Apple Watch 40mm GPS is perfect for users who want a lightweight, everyday smartwatch with essential health tracking.

The 44mm GPS is better for fitness enthusiasts, outdoor users, and those wanting advanced health sensors and larger display. The choice depends on wrist size, preferred features, and usage intensity.